Sunday, 1 April 2012

I've been practising a martial art called aikido since 2004.
I started off writing a 'what is aikido' paragraph, but came to the conclusion that there are already some great explanations out there, so will focus on what keeps me coming back for more.

Positivity in language and movement - our techniques can be soft and flowing, but they're always positive. Teachers focus on what a student is doing well and build on that, rather than saying, "That's rubbish, start again"

It becomes a meditation in movement as I'm focused on the present moment

It challenges me every single time I step on the mat, regardless of if I'm practising with a black belt or some one attending their first ever class

When I throw a fellow student more powerfully, it makes them laugh and smile and come back for more

The movements just feel good and flying through the air into a forward roll is fun

What I learn on the mat helps me in my daily life (link to our club's association).